Bombers Release Chris Kolankowski

[Ridermania]

Bombers release Chris Kolankowski.

https://www.cfl.ca/2026/01/05/bombers-extend-tanner-schmekel-release-chris-kolankowski/

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Bombers release Chris Kolankowski.

https://www.cfl.ca/2026/01/05/bombers-extend-tanner-schmekel-release-chris-kolankowski/

Wow, bold move!  The change has begun.  Full credit to Kolankowski he's a great guy and did everything the team asked of him.

[blue_or_die]

I can honestly say I'm surprised the balls this regime is showing to make significant changes to get better. The whole loyalty thing is going out the door after what was clearly a big wake-up call following the 2025 home Grey Cup Fail.

I have nothing against Kolankowski and he had some good years, but I'm impressed that we're not accepting mediocrity. It really gets me excited for summer!

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I can honestly say I'm surprised the balls this regime is showing to make significant changes to get better. The whole loyalty is going out the door after what was clearly a big wake-up call following the 2025 home Grey Cup Fail.

I have nothing against Kolankowski and he had some good years, but I'm impressed that we're not accepting mediocrity. It really gets me excited for summer!

They must be thinking someone can take over at Center, but it isn't likely to be Eli or an Import. Any Natl. Centers on the FA list?

[blue_gold_84]

Interesting move. Makes me wonder what the plan is at C.

Also nice to see Schmekel get re-signed.

[Blue In BC]

They must be thinking someone can take over at Center, but it isn't likely to be Eli or an Import. Any Natl. Centers on the FA list?

I'm not exactly surprised but have no idea who the replacement might be at the moment.  Considering all the import OL being signed that might be an indication. Predicting possible Canadians that might fit the bill won't be known until we see who is available when free agency starts.

We have Vibert and the 8th round OL we drafted in 2025 that might be in the mix I suppose.

[markf]

Doesn't the centre have to make protection calls?

I think theyNeed someone experienced for that, specially after last seasons pass protecting being not great.

[Blue In BC]

Doesn't the centre have to make protection calls?

I think theyNeed someone experienced for that, specially after last seasons pass protecting being not great.

Can't disagree with that thought but we'll see how this pans out.

[Blueforlife]

Likely was due a bonus?  I have mixed feelings, as long as we can stay as good or get better it's worth it, likely growing pains to get there but could be worth it.  Happy about Schmekel.  Thomas will tune him up!

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I guess it's not a time to be gleeful but I'm definitely glad.

[dd]

We were weak last year in the interior of our D and O line. This move is long overdue and with Thomas retiring it is good to see we are upgrading our major weaknesses from last years roster.

[bunker]

O-line needs to be  better and he was the weakest link. Makes sense. Only question is why they didn't give him a chance to compete for the spot at camp, since we don't currently have a replacement who is better to my knowledge. Can Neufeld play centre? Can't recall him playing there in his career.

[Tecno]

Doesn't the centre have to make protection calls?

I think theyNeed someone experienced for that, specially after last seasons pass protecting being not great.

No reason a smart young IMP can't pick this stuff up.  It's not exactly alien to what a NCAA/NFL C does.

A super great, super experienced NAT C is NOT going to come cheap.  Not to mention, who is out there?  The top teams have been snapping (hehe) them up the last couple of FAs.

The beauty of an IMP C is no one will snipe him from you.  It's 100% unorthodox to use an IMP C.  That's why I love the idea.  There must be a ton of great NCAA C's just sitting around after not being NFL drafted, because they are 6'4 instead of 6'6.

[Tecno]

This is our first real big pre-FA shakeup.  And signals that we are "blowing some poop up".

This also signals we have reliable plans for C going forward.  I bet we have our eye on a FA or prev DP or a potential '26 DP or a TC IMP guy.  And our plan B is Eli.

In all the EOY pressers, guys were talking Neuf and Stan a ton, but no one ever mentioned Ko-man.  It's like they knew he was on the outs.  Heck, maybe Zach/Brady didn't just demand we keep some guys -- maybe they hinted we should release some guys!!

The only way this hurts us is if we blow it and field someone WORSE in week 1.  Let's hope that doesn't happen.

Ko-man is a capable middle-of-the-line (hehe) C and will probably be snapped up (hehe#2) by OTT or similar.  I will reiterate that he almost never sailed one over Zach's head.  That's just as important as rush-blocking.

[Tecno]

Assuming we re-sign Stan & Neuf, I think every other OL position should be a massive TC fight.  I don't want any favorites / shoeins.  I also don't want any position set in stone that it "must be NAT".

I'm still all for 3 IMP OL.

I think we should strategize the entire team around a grand plan and ratio tricks like SSK did last season.  Can't just play normal ball and do normal signings.  Need to out-smart the ratio via scheme.  This demands KW+MOS and coords/positional coaches all sit in a room and come up with a new grand paradigm.  And this has to be done BEFORE we start signing FAs and making DPs.  I have a hunch it's already done...

I don't want to see just another "normal CFL team with tweaks" in '26.  I want some big brain overarching madness.

Oh ya, and decide if we're continuing with the "no pass rush" paradigm or not.  That will dictate how we handle the DL and DB personnel choices.